NEWS AND VIEWS

THE MONTH THAT WAS

Antalis team volunteer for Earth Day

A group of volunteers from Antalis attended a team-building day at Bradgate Park, Leicestershire, in May.

The day was part of Antalis’ Earth Day activities and aimed at building and repairing damaged fences that protect the Bradgate trees from deer which eat the bark and leaves, causing damage and risking the health of the trees.

The park has many trees that are several hundred years old, and a large number of fallow and red deer roaming free in the 830 acres of countryside. Over the years, many of the old fences protecting the trees have become damaged due to weathering, allowing the deer to eat the bark and leaves of the old trees.

The Antalis team-building day began with a short safety briefing, followed by fence building in the deer sanctuary area of the park. Under the guidance of the park ranger and two volunteers, the team set to work removing the damaged bits of the fence so they could be replaced with new wood, restoring the protection of the trees.

“All of the volunteers who got involved with the team building day at Bradgate Park had a great day,” said Jason Poxon, Antalis packaging technologist manager. “Spending time together as a team - as well as contributing to the protection of those ancient trees - was really rewarding!”

Philip Wesolowski appointed as BOSS Charity Trustee

Staedtler Ltd has announced that managing director Philip Wesolowski has been appointed as a trustee for The BOSS Business Supplies Charity (BBSC).

Philip has worked closely with the BBSC for several years, he commented: “I am delighted to become a trustee of the BBSC. Since joining the industry more than 15 years ago, I have felt a strong connection with its charity.”

The BOSS Business Supplies Charity was established to provide for those needing financial assistance who have worked – or currently work – for at least two years in the stationery or office supplies and services industry. In 2021 it helped over 30 colleagues in need by supplying one-off and quarterly support payments of over £74,000.

Konftel expands video kit portfolio with new ‘Conferencing Flavours’

Konftel has launched a series of video kits optimised for inroom, PC-based, systems able to capture a wider choice of conferencing scenarios.

Konftel Attach is a range of five kits designed for Microsoft Teams Rooms, Zoom Rooms and more open-based solutions. The range presents a line-up of conference cameras and speakerphones, accompanied by a long USB cable for optimal audio placement.

Product manager at Konftel, Torbjörn Karlsson commented: “Whether users prefer to bring their laptop to a meeting (with their preferred app), or take advantage of a dedicated in-room facility, where all the equipment is already in place, Konftel has dedicated solutions that bring each system to life.”

Pentel recruits John Cotterell

Pentel has appointed industry veteran John Cotterell to manage its sales territory from Staffordshire to the Channel Islands.

John joins following the recent retirement of long-standing Pentel territory manager Sally Evans. He brings extensive knowledge, having worked for four decades managing accounts within most sectors of the industry including education, wholesale, dealer groups and independent retailers.

Asked what appeals most about his new role John described Pentel as a “Very strong brand associated with quality products that I’ve known for many years during my career in the industry.”

Pentel director of sales UK and Ireland, Graham Craik, said “We are absolutely delighted to welcome John to Pentel. He is a well-known and respected figure within our industry and, with his experience and knowledge, I have no doubt that John’s appointment will help take the Pentel brand forward.”

COLOP is celebrating a decade of incorporating Microban® antimicrobial technology into the handle, cap and index window of its Classic Line, Printer Line, Pocket and Children’s stamps.

Growing consumer demand for smarter products that are protected against bacterial growth spurred COLOP into creating an entirely new kind of stamp more than 10 years ago. The proven antimicrobial formulation from Microban is integrated into products at the stage of manufacture, and lasts for the stamp’s expected lifetime. Together with routine cleaning, this technology works continuously to prevent degrading bacterial growth on the surface of the stamp by up to 99.99 %, delivering added peace of mind. “We are constantly looking for new ways to improve our products and give our clients that little extra,” said Chris Deighton, MD at COLOP. “Adding antimicrobial technology to our product range felt like an obvious choice, as it gives us a competitive edge and provides our customers with much-needed reassurance.

COLOP stamps out bacteria thanks to continued partnership with Microban International

Whiteout, the industry’s premier incentive

VOW Wholesale is excited to announce the return of its industry-leading incentive, Whiteout, for 2022. Running between 1st July and 24th December 2022, the incentive is open to all VOW Wholesale’s UK customers who have to drive sales of the supporting brands throughout the incentive period to win.

Not only will there be a chance to win a place on the luxury Whiteout trip, but customers also have the opportunity to win monthly prizes. There are over 80 chances to win vouchers worth up to £200, providing winners with the flexibility to purchase a prize that is tailored to them.

At the end of the six-month incentive period, the overall winners will win a coveted place on Whiteout, taking place in Chamonix, France, in March 2023. Here they will be able to network alongside senior figures from VOW Wholesale, other winning customers, and some of VOW Wholesale’s biggest suppliers.

Supporting brands for Whiteout 2023 are Tork, BIC, Dettol Pro Solutions, Canon, CHERRY, Fellowes, Henkel, ACCO Brands, Exaclair, Jiffy, Avery, Safescan, Nescafé and Brother.

VOW Wholesale customers will be able to find out more about this incentive, and keep track of their progress, via the bespoke website www. vowventureincentive.co.uk.